Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

During the Covid-19 lockdown I started working online in Google Classroom and created this L1-2 writing task (and an accompanying introductory presentation) in Google Docs / Slides. Use the presentation to introduce learners (if needed) to Captain Tom and his remarkable achievement for the NHS (national health service) during the Covid-19 crisis. Slides also provide links to related news articles (important for background information and also for demonstrating the layout and language features of articles).

Level

L1

L2

English

FE L1.23 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience

FE L1.24 Use format, structure and language appropriate for audience and purpose

L1.25 Write consistently and accurately in complex sentences, using paragraphs where appropriate

FE L2.24 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience

Based on a text about the annual St Patrick's Parade in London. Aimed at L1 /L2 Reformed Functional Skills learners but also includes some Entry Level questions. Unlike formal assessment papers, questions are arranged by topic so that teachers can pick and choose the subjects they want to focus on. Includes:

Level

E3

L1

L2

English

Functional English reading

E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts

FE E3.11 Use effective strategies to find the meaning of words (e.g. a dictionary, working out meaning from context; using knowledge of different word types)

FE E3.12 Understand organisational features and use them to locate relevant information (e.g. contents, index, menus, tabs and links)

FE L1.11 Identify meanings in texts and distinguish between fact and opinion

FE L1.12 Recognise that language and other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences and purposes

FE L1.13 Use reference materials and appropriate strategies (e.g. using knowledge of word types) for a range of purposes, including to find the meaning of words

FE L1.14 Understand organisational and structural features and use them to locate relevant information (e.g. index, menus, subheadings, paragraphs) in a range of straightforward texts

FE L1.15 Infer from images meanings not explicit in the accompanying text

Sparked after reading an article about a UK Which? report in The Guardian newspaper, and made in haste, this resource is aimed at Entry Level 3 (E3) and Level 1 (L1) learners but includes some E2 and L2 questions. There is no answer sheet – one might appear later for skillsworkshop contributors – but see below for general marking guidance. If you are stuck you can ask for help using my Twitter tag @skillsworkshop https://twitter.com/skillsworkshop

Level

E3

L1

L2

English

FE E3.14 Form irregular plurals

FE E3.16 Use the first, second and third place letters to sequence words in alphabetical order

FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3

FE E3.11 Use effective strategies to find the meaning of words (e.g. a dictionary, working out meaning from context; using knowledge of different word types)

FE L1.13 Use reference materials and appropriate strategies (e.g. using knowledge of word types) for a range of purposes, including to find the meaning of words

A PowerPoint set of L1-L2 reading, maths and writing tasks. All are based on information a recent UK.gov Home Office fact sheet about Prevent and Channel*. The fact sheet can be found online or downloaded from this page. Main Functional Maths coverage is reading and comparing whole numbers and percentages, and percentage-fraction equivalents. Some questions involve calculating percentages or checking the figures that are quoted in the text (Level 2).

Editor's notes

Level

L1

L2

English

FE L1.9 Identify and understand the main points, ideas and details in texts

FE L1.17 Read and understand a range of specialist words in context

FE L1.24 Use format, structure and language appropriate for audience and purpose

FE L1.23 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience

FE L2.11 Identify the different situations when the main points are sufficient and when it is important to have specific details

FE L2.16 Understand organisational features and use them to locate relevant information in a range of straightforward and complex sources

FE L2.24 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience

Five large A4 templates for web page, letter, article, email and a speech/talk. They can be used in a variety of ways depending upon learner levels and lesson objectives. E.g. E1-E2 students can discuss and decide upon the text type and/or where they might see such document, E2-E3 learners can use them to plan or draft work. At L1 they could be displayed onscreen as a brief reminder to use different layouts for different purposes or for reading revision (of organisational features).

Level

E2

E3

L1

English

FE E3.20 Use appropriate format and structure when writing straightforward texts, including the appropriate use of headings and bullet points

FE L1.24 Use format, structure and language appropriate for audience and purpose

FE E3.12 Understand organisational features and use them to locate relevant information (e.g. contents, index, menus, tabs and links)

FE L1.14 Understand organisational and structural features and use them to locate relevant information (e.g. index, menus, subheadings, paragraphs) in a range of straightforward texts

This resource was created as a way to focus my learners on one person in a larger story. I believe it is a great way to get them used to using the Who, What, Why, When and Where writing method creatively. It is especially good for planning activities.

Editor's note

Although Functional English does not include creative / fiction writing this resource is still useful for general E3 and L1 planning and writing practice, and (for L2 students) as preparation for GCSE.

Reading comprehension and writing tasks designed to prepare adults who are returning to education and taking Functional English at Level 1 or Level 2.

Level 1 reading comprehension is based on two texts about returning to education. This is followed by two writing tasks. Level 2 includes all the L1 texts and questions plus an additional lengthy text and questions that involve summarising, and comparing and contrasting two or more texts.

Editor's note

Level

L1

L2

GCSE L1-5

English

FE L1.9 Identify and understand the main points, ideas and details in texts

FE L1.10 Compare information, ideas and opinions in different texts

FE L2.12 Compare information, ideas and opinions in different texts, including how they are conveyed

FE L1.23 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience

FE L2.24 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience